Choosing Better Roofing

When something breaks on your home, you might be tempted to find the cheapest alternative instead of investing massive amounts of money. However, sometimes the more expensive choice is the better one. A few years ago, I realized that we needed a new roof. After doing a little research, I chose inexpensive shingles and nails. After the new products were installed, I could tell that there was a problem. Fortunately, a roofer friend of mine spotted the trouble and helped me to repair my home. This blog is all about helping you to decode roofing materials, so that you can avoid problems down the road.

Roofing 101: 4 Reasons To Blame For Your Leaky Roof

Posted on:
20 June 2016

A roof leak can cause significant damage to your home, especially if left untreated. Unfortunately, leaks occur for various reasons. This can make it incredibly difficult to locate and repair. Luckily, there are some common reasons why a roof might leak. By knowing why your roof is leaking, you'll be able to identify the root cause—and this will make fixing it much easier.

So why might your roof be leaking? Here are four common reasons:

1. Aging or Damaged Roof Vents

One possible cause for your roof to be leaking is due to damaged or leaking roof vents. Since the vents lead into your home, it is important for them to sealed properly. If they aren't, you might notice water spots or other signs of leaking. In addition, your vents might simply age too much to be repaired or sealed and need to be replaced—this is especially true for plastic vents. Finally, damage that occurs due to harsh weather conditions means your vents might simply begin to wear out and crack, which will also cause your roof to leak water.

2. Roof Debris

Another common reason for roof leaks is debris. While some debris isn't typically a problem, a lot of debris can quickly escalate and cause your roof to leak. Tree branches, twigs, leaves, and other debris can cause your roof to retain moisture. It can also cause your roof to begin to break down and rot, especially if left for years. So if you are concerned about a leak, make sure you clean your roof and rid it of debris regularly.

3. Missing or Damaged Shingles

Since shingles act as the main elemental barrier to your roof and home, it's easy to see that without these—or with damaged ones—you might begin to see signs of water damage. Missing shingles are easily identified by visually inspecting your roof. However, it might be more difficult to notice signs of damage. While cracks or holes are big giveaways that your shingles are damaged, they aren't the only signs. So get help from a professional roofer, like one at Leon Construction, if you believe your shingles are damaged.

4. Roof Slope

Finally, your roof slope might also be a reason for leaking. Flat roofs are more prone to leaking, as water can build up on the roof. Additionally, if your roof holds on to snow or ice, you might begin to notice leaking. While you can't exactly fix the slope of your roof, you can take preventive measures to ensure that water damage doesn't occur. Keeping it clean and free of snow, ice, or water buildup is essential.

As you can see, there are many reasons your roof might leak. If you are noticing signs of water damage in your home and think your roof might to be blame, contact a professional roofing company for help. These professionals can identify the problem and make any repairs that are needed.